The Assam government has decided to introduce In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment facilities at government run hospitals at subsidised rates.The decision has given the childless couples, particularly the poor ones, a reason to rejoice. State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said here that IVF treatment would be made available in government hospitals from next year at an affordable rate or even free of cost for financially underprivileged couples. He said the scheme has been planned keeping in mind the social prejudices the childless couples face in the society due to their inability to give birth to child."Many couples who are unable to give birth to child are running from pillar to post and facing immense problem in their social life. Though treatment for infertility is available in some private hospitals, many couples can not afford such treatment owing to its high cost," the Minister said. The state Health Department is targeting to conduct IVF surgeries on 1,000 couples within next year. The IVF is the surgical implantation of a fertilised egg into a woman's uterus. For couples experiencing male or female fertility problems or those who have been unsuccessful with less advanced treatment, IVF is often considered an ideal option. Sarma said the government would install hi-tech equipment and specialised manpower at the four medical college and hospitals- Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Assam Medical College and Hospital at Dibrugarh, Silchar Medical College and Hospital and Jorhat Medical College and Hospital from January next year to conduct IVF surgery. A state Health Department official said problem of infertility was increasing in Assam due to fast changing lifestyle and growing urbanisation. Many couples with poor financial condition are coming with infertility problem but they are unable to avail IVF treatment at private hospitals due to high cost of treatment. "The move by state government to add IVF treatment facilities at government is very significant. At least poor couple unable to give birth to child will be able to avail treatment easily," the official said.